New Mercedes GLE plug-in hybrid: price, specs and pictures

Orders are open for the diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the latest Mercedes GLE. It’s priced from £61,360 and is available only in AMG Line guise, with the AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus equipment packages adding £3,500 and £7,000 respectively to the list price.

Unlike petrol-electric rivals, such as the BMW X5 and Volvo XC90, the Mercedes GLE 350 de is powered by a diesel-electric powertrain. It has a comparatively large 31.2kWh battery, so Mercedes claims the GLE will do between 56 and 62 miles on electric power, depending on exact specification.

A redesigned rear end has freed up some extra space for the battery, resulting in a marginal loss in boot space compared to the standard, non-hybrid diesel version of the GLE. Load capacity drops from 630 litres to 490 litres with the rear seats in place.

Mercedes GLE hybrid prices and specifications

The new Mercedes GLE 350 de AMG Line costs £61,360, with the AMG Line Premium model starting at £64,860. Those wanting all the bells and whistles can opt for the AMG Line Premium Plus car, priced at £68,360.

AMG Line examples come as standard with 20-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, DAB digital radio, heated front seats, ambient lighting, Mercedes' MBUX multimedia infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital cockpit display and wireless phone charging. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay also feature.

AMG Line Premium adds multi-beam LED headlights, a 'Memory Package' (including power-adjustable front seats and steering wheel) and a 'Parking Package' (with a 360-degree camera and augmented-reality navigation). The range-topping AMG Line Premium Plus throws in keyless entry, a panoramic glass sunroof, air suspension and a Burmester surround-sound stereo.

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Range, charging & CO2 emissions

The GLE plug-in hybrid is capable of AC and DC charging thanks to its Type 2 and CCS sockets, and a new on-board charger doubles the AC charging capacity from 3.6 to 7.4kW. A public rapid charger can take the batteries from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes thanks to the maximum DC charging rate of 60kW. You only need to keep it plugged in for another 10 minutes for a full charge.

Plugging into a home wallbox will give you a full charge in around three-and-a-half hours. On the road, you can find nearby charging points using the car’s infotainment system and pay through an app – although this is only available for customers in continental Europe for the time being.

Mercedes quotes officially tested fuel economy of 257mpg and CO2 emissions of 29g/km. The hybrid GLE uses the company's 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission and its latest energy-recuperation technology. As energy is recaptured at each wheel, the car has a natural braking capability, allowing for the ‘one-pedal’ driving that's common in pure-electric cars like the latest Nissan Leaf.

Engine & performance

The GLE 350 de 4MATIC’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine produces 192bhp. When combined with the electric motor, it generates 315bhp, giving a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 130mph, as well as an electric-only top speed of 99mph. 

Those who need to tow will note the GLE’s towing capacity of 3,500kg and the Mercedes ‘Trailer Manoeuvring Assist’ system, which controls the steering angle of the car to make reversing a trailer, caravan or horsebox easier.

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The GLE is the latest in a range of Mercedes plug-in hybrid models, including the A-Class, C-Class, E-Class and S-Class, as well as the smaller GLA and GLC SUVs. In addition, Mercedes also boasts a line-up of fully-electric vehicles, including the EQC and EQV. By the end of 2020, the carmaker is aiming to have 20 electrified models on sale.